Soft toy Kimochis sales skyrocket second year in Australia
a soft toy brand created in the us to get kids and parents to talk to each other has posted a massive jump in sales in just its second year in australia.
kimochis were inspired by the columbine high school massacre in 1999, which left us founder nina rappaport rowan wondering “why kids were so disconnected and self-destructive”.
the products, which come in a range of characters with feelings, were launched locally two years ago and since then sales have grown 400 per cent.
suzanne dembo, general manager sales and marketing, kimochis australia, says the success of kimochis down under is because they offer something different.
“retailers and consumers are looking for toys with purpose and kimochis have enormous developmental and educational value and the ability to grow with the child,” she says.
schools have also purchased the product as a way to help little ones learn about their emotions. almost 100 schools are using the toys and an educational tool kit from the company sold out in its first eight weeks.
to build on its rapid growth the company has recently set up a website. dembo says it has been an instant hit.
“retailers are quickly moving to online ordering with access to wholesale rates as well as updated media and marketing materials and the ability to request images and/or copy required to support their own marketing initiatives. to support our retailers, a dedicated stockists page will go live in july,” she adds.
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